Stephen Welch News

Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., Lockport, La., has signed a contract to build two, 250-ft., double hull, jumbo coastwise service, single rake hopper barges for Tide Leasing, LLC, Birmingham, Ala. Construction has begun on the first barge and building of the second vessel will begin in August. Both are scheduled for delivery in November 2000. Overall, each barge will be 250 ft. in length, with a 52.5-ft. beam and 14-ft. depth and 11.5 ft. maximum draft. They will be built with .75-in. steel at the hopper bottoms and .625-in. steel at the hopper sides plus .5-in. T-1 liner plates on the bottom and upper sides of the hopper. Each will be able to carry up to 3,000 metric tons of coal and will operate out of Santa Marta, Colombia. Shearer and Associates, Inc., Metairie, La.

Thomas V. Van Dawark will assume duties as the president and chief operating officer of Todd Pacific Shipyards. Stephen Welch, Todd Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, made the announcement. Van Dawark is the former president and CEO of Marine Resources and Foss Maritime Co. In his 14 years as president, he grew revenue and income substantially. Welch said Van Dawark will build on the solid foundation that Rollie Webb established. Webb recently announced his resignation from the president and COO position.